England lost last four Tests for lack of ruthlessness, skill: Bell

England batsman Ian Bell has pointed out that his side had chances to win all four Tests this summer, having gained a first-innings lead in each, but they have not been ruthless or skilful enough to capitalise on it.

England lost the two-match Test series to Sri Lanka on their home turf and now India leads the hosts by 1-0 in the five-match Test series with the first Test having ended in a draw. India and England will face each other in the third Test starting on Sunday in Southampton.

Bell said that England has to get that clarity about their middle-order collapse, which happened at Lord's, and added that it would happen again this week, The Guardian reported.

Bell said that the batsmen have to find a method of either getting out of the way of the short balls or keeping the ball down. He added that they have tried short balls themselves and Sri Lanka and India have all got out of the way of them.

Bell said that India would throw that challenge at the England batting line up again this week without a doubt.

The batsman said that they have spoken about it now and it should never be a shock in Test cricket if someone goes round the wicket to a player and tries the short ball.

Bell said that he feels the key is to get out of the way for one or two overs and the opposite team's bowlers might give up on it.